Indian Students Abroad Cross 1.8 Million in 2025; US Surges Ahead as Top Destination

The number of Indian students pursuing education overseas has crossed a record 1.8 million this year, marking a sharp rise from 1.3 million in 2023. This surge, confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs and education sector bodies, highlights India’s growing presence in the global academic landscape.

US Becomes Top Destination Amid Global Trends

While Canada and the UK continue to be among the top preferred destinations, both countries have experienced a modest dip in new Indian enrollments. Canada reported 137,608 Indian students in 2024, while the UK hosted 98,890.

In contrast, the United States has seen a significant rise, recording 331,602 Indian students—a 23% increase from the previous year. With this surge, India has overtaken China as the leading source of international students in the US, a notable shift in global student mobility.

Germany and Ireland have also emerged as popular options, with approximately 49,483 Indian students in Germany and over 7,000 in Ireland during the 2023–2024 winter semester. Australia, too, continues to attract Indian students, despite tighter visa rules in recent times.

Why More Indians Are Choosing to Study Abroad

Multiple factors are driving this overseas education boom:

• Limited seats and intense competition in India’s elite institutions like IITs and IIMs.

• Global recognition and perceived quality of foreign degrees.

• Improved career and immigration prospects, especially in countries with evolving skill-based immigration policies.

• Expanded scholarship opportunities and financial aid, particularly from UK and Australian universities.

Experts note that this growing trend is not just about education—but about future security, global exposure, and professional pathways.

As international universities ramp up their outreach to Indian students, and Indian families increasingly prioritize global education, this trend is likely to remain strong in the coming years.